COP30 in Belém, Brazil, is drawing widespread concern over fossil fuel influence, with a KBPO analysis showing about 1,600 fossil fuel lobbyists among the more than 60,000 participants, roughly one in 25 attendees.

NGOs coalition Kick Big Polluters Out highlights links between many participants and oil, gas, and coal interests, framing the summit as a hotspot for industry influence.

Climate and environmental advocates call for reform and a Just Transition, while UNFCCC officials say transparency improvements are underway but remain constrained by national sovereignty.

The reporting cites broader industry obstruction concerns, drawing on a Climate Social Science Network study that outlines tactics used by industry actors to hinder climate progress.

The article underscores real-world impacts of climate disasters, such as Typhoon Fung-wong affecting the Philippines, to emphasize the urgency of reducing industry influence in negotiations.

The coalition argues that empowering those who caused the problem is counterproductive and urges scrutiny of influence within climate talks.

Analyst Patrick Galey notes some names appear surprising but can be explained by indirect influence through parent companies or subsidiaries, based on open-source research.

NGOs demand stronger disclosures of funding sources and conflicts of interest for all participants to curb perceived polluter influence.

The piece situates the lobbying presence within the broader context of ongoing high emissions projections for 2025 and potential policy impacts on climate action.

Experts and activists describe this as corporate capture and call for stronger conflict-of-interest protections and a fossil fuel lobbying ban at UN climate talks.

Many lobbyists come from trade or business associations that can send observers, indicating pervasive industry influence across both formal and informal conference spaces.

Transparency International notes that over half of the 42,000 accredited attendees did not declare affiliations, suggesting higher undisclosed lobbying potential this year.